U.S. patent number 5,299,810 [Application Number 07/902,482] was granted by the patent office on 1994-04-05 for vehicle simulator including cross-network feedback.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Atari Games Corporation. Invention is credited to David S. Akers, Dennis D. Harper, Samuel Lee, Milton H. Loper, III, Mark S. Pierce.
United States Patent |
5,299,810 |
Pierce , et al. |
April 5, 1994 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Vehicle simulator including cross-network feedback
Abstract
A vehicle simulator has tandem surfaces for supporting first and
second users, who "drive" respective first and simulated vehicles
through a simulated space. A solenoid is mounted underneath each
surface for selectively impacting the associated surface to give
the user the sensation of having his simulated vehicle hit by a
projectile. Each user sits in front of a video monitor, and each
monitor is electrically connected to a computer. Each computer has
a "map" of a simulated space stored in its electronic memory, and
the computers are linked through a common RAM. The computers cause
their monitors to display a changing video image of the simulated
space to model motion of the simulated vehicles through the space,
in response to signals from controls that can be manipulated by the
operators. Each user controls a trigger which can be pushed to
initiate the motion of a simulated projectile through the simulated
space toward the user's vehicle. The computer of the shooter sends
a signal to the RAM to indicate that s hot has been initiated. The
computer of the user being shot accesses the common RAM each game
cycle to determine whether a shot has been fired, and if so,
computes whether the shot has "hit" the associated vehicle. If the
computer determines that a "hit" has occurred, the computer
activates the solenoid of the seat of the user being shot to thump
the seat and thereby model the effects of a hit on the vehicle.
Inventors: |
Pierce; Mark S. (Palo Alto,
CA), Loper, III; Milton H. (Mountain View, CA), Harper;
Dennis D. (Campbell, CA), Akers; David S. (Fremont,
CA), Lee; Samuel (San Jose, CA) |
Assignee: |
Atari Games Corporation
(Milpitas, CA)
|
Family
ID: |
24707532 |
Appl.
No.: |
07/902,482 |
Filed: |
June 23, 1992 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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674684 |
Mar 21, 1991 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/2; 463/30;
273/442; 434/69 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F
13/005 (20130101); A63F 13/28 (20140902); G07F
17/3216 (20130101); G09B 9/05 (20130101); G09B
9/12 (20130101); G09B 9/302 (20130101); A63F
13/803 (20140902); A63G 31/16 (20130101); A63F
2300/1037 (20130101); A63F 2300/1062 (20130101); A63F
2300/8017 (20130101); A63F 2300/8029 (20130101); A63F
2300/8076 (20130101); A63F 13/95 (20140902) |
Current International
Class: |
A63F
13/00 (20060101); A63G 31/00 (20060101); A63G
31/16 (20060101); G09B 9/30 (20060101); G09B
9/12 (20060101); G09B 9/02 (20060101); G09B
9/05 (20060101); G09B 9/04 (20060101); A63F
009/22 () |
Field of
Search: |
;273/434,435,436,437,438,442,454,460,85G
;434/38,43,44,46,59,69 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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0387438 |
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Sep 1990 |
|
EP |
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9003627 |
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Apr 1990 |
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WO |
|
918705 |
|
Feb 1963 |
|
GB |
|
Other References
Onde Electrique, vol. 68, No. 5, Sep. 1988, paris FR pp. 67-72;
Couturier, Alain; `Projection D'Images-Tubes a Haute Brillance
Projecteurs Lasers` see p. 68, column 1, paragraph 3-p. 72, column
1, paragraph 2. .
Brochure for Cisco Heat, All American Police Car Race, by Jaleco
(1990). .
Brochure for "OutRun", by Sega (1986). .
Brochure for "Hard Drivin'", by Atari Games Corporation
(1988)..
|
Primary Examiner: Grieb; William H.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Knobbe, Martens, Olson &
Bear
Parent Case Text
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.
07/674,684, filed Mar. 21, 1991, now abandoned.
Claims
We claim:
1. A vehicle simulator for modelling motion of a first simulated
vehicle through a simulated space having simulated objects therein,
which comprises:
a first surface positionable in physical contact with a first user
of said simulator for supporting the first user;
a first solenoid having a plunger movable between a spaced
position, wherein said plunger is distanced from said first
surface, and an impact position, wherein said plunger contacts said
first surface;
a first video monitor; and
a first computer for modelling motion of said vehicle through said
space, wherein said first computer is electrically connected to
said video monitor to cause said monitor to display a changing
video image of said simulated space, said image corresponding to a
view from said vehicle, said computer being electrically connected
to said solenoid to cause said plunger to move from said spaced
position to said impact position to contact said first surface and
communicate an impact sensation to said first user when the
position of a portion of one of said simulated objects coincides
with the position of a portion of said simulated vehicle in said
simulated space.
2. The simulator as recited in claim 1, further comprising first
control means operatively engaged with said first computer and
movable by the user to control the motion of said first simulated
vehicle through said simulated space.
3. The simulator as recited in claim 2, wherein at least one of
said simulated objects is a simulated projectile, and the simulated
motion of said simulated projectile through said space is initiated
by said first computer.
4. The simulator as recited in claim 2, wherein said simulator
further comprises a second computer for modelling the motion of a
second simulated vehicle through said space, said second computer
being electrically connected to said first computer and having
second control means operatively engaged therewith for manipulation
of said second control means by a second user to initiate the
motion of a preselected one of said simulated objects through said
simulated space.
5. The simulator as recited in claim 4, further comprising:
a second surface positionable in physical contact with the second
user of said simulator for supporting the second user;
a second video monitor electrically connected to said second
computer for presenting a changing video image of said simulated
space in response to said second computer; and
a second solenoid having a second plunger movable between a spaced
position, wherein said plunger is distanced from said second
surface, and an impact position, wherein said second plunger
contacts said second surface, said second solenoid being
electrically connected to said second computer, wherein the motion
of a predetermined one of said simulated objects through said space
is initiated by the first user for causing said second plunger to
move from said spaced position to said impact position to contact
said second surface and communicate an impact sensation to said
second user when the position of a portion of said predetermined
simulated object coincides with the position of a portion of said
second simulated vehicle in said simulated space.
6. The simulator as recited in claim 5, further comprising a random
access memory (RAM) electrically connected to said computers for
electronically storing and relaying data representative of the
initiation of said motion of said preselected and predetermined
simulated objects through said simulated space and for storing and
relaying data representative of the positions and motion of said
first and second simulated vehicles through said space.
7. A user-interactive vehicle simulator, comprising:
a first video monitor;
a first computer electrically connected to said monitor for causing
said monitor to present a changing video image of a simulated space
to model the motion through said space of a first simulated
vehicle, said space including simulated movable objects
therein;
a first control means operatively engaged with said first computer
and movable by a first user of said simulator for controlling the
motion of said first simulated vehicle through said simulated
space; and
first impact means in physical contact with the user of said
simulator and electrically connected to said first computer for
communicating a tactile sensation to the user when the position of
a portion of said simulated vehicle coincides with the position of
a portion of one of said objects in said simulated space.
8. The simulator as recited in claim 7, wherein said first impact
means includes a first seat for supporting the first user and a
first solenoid having a first plunger movable from a spaced
position, wherein said first plunger is distanced from a surface,
and an impact position, wherein said first plunger contacts said
surface.
9. The simulator as recited in claim 8, wherein said one of said
objects is a simulated projectile, and the simulated motion of said
projectile through said space is initiated by said first
computer.
10. The simulator as recited in claim 8, wherein said simulator
further comprises a second computer electrically connected to said
first computer and having second control means operatively engaged
therewith for manipulation of said second control means by a second
user to initiate motion of a preselected one of said simulated
movable objects through said simulated space.
11. The simulator as recited in claim 10, further comprising:
a second surface for supporting the second user;
a second video monitor electrically connected to said second
computer for presenting a changing video image of said simulated
space in response to said second computer to model the motion of a
second simulated vehicle through said space; and
a second solenoid having a second plunger movable from a spaced
position, wherein said second plunger is distanced from said second
surface, and an impact position, wherein said second plunger
contacts said second surface, said second solenoid being
electrically connected to said second computer, wherein the motion
of a predetermined one of said simulated objects through said space
is initiated by the first user for causing said second plunger to
move from said spaced position to said impact position to contact
said second surface when the position of a portion of said
predetermined simulated object coincides with the position of a
portion of said second simulated vehicle in said simulated
space.
12. The simulator as recited in claim 11, further comprising a
random access memory (RAM) electrically connected to said computers
for electronically storing and relaying data representative of the
initiation of said motion of said preselected and predetermined
simulated objects through said simulated space and for storing and
relaying data representative of the positions and motion of said
first and second simulated vehicles through said space.
13. A method for modelling the motion of a first simulated vehicle
through a simulated space having simulated objects therein, which
comprises the steps of:
providing a simulator which includes:
a first video monitor;
a first computer electrically connected to said monitor for causing
said monitor to present a changing video image of said simulated
space to model the motion of said simulated vehicle through said
simulated space, said computer having control means operably
engaged therewith and said computer being manipulable by a first
user to control the motion of said first simulated vehicle through
said simulated space; and
physically impacting the user in response to a signal generated by
said computer when the position of a portion of said vehicle in
said simulated space is generated by said first computer, and
wherein said position of said vehicle coincides with the position
of a portion of one of said objects generated by said first
computer in said simulated space.
14. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein the motion of a
preselected one of said objects through said space is initiated by
said first computer.
15. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein the motion of a
preselected one of said objects through said simulated space is
initiated by a second computer, said second computer being
manipulable by a second user.
16. A vehicle simulator for modelling motion of a first simulated
vehicle through a simulated space having simulated objects therein,
which comprises:
a first surface positionable in physical contact with a first user
of said simulator for supporting the first user;
a first solenoid having a plunger movable between a spaced
position, wherein said plunger is distanced from said surface, and
an impact position, wherein said plunger contacts said surface;
a first video monitor;
a first computer for modelling motion of said vehicle through said
space, wherein said first computer is electrically connected to
said video monitor to cause said monitor to display a changing
video image of said simulated space, said image corresponding to a
view from said vehicle, said computer being electrically connected
to said solenoid to cause said plunger to move from said spaced
position to said impact position to contact said seat when a
preselected one of said simulated objects coincides with a portion
of said simulated vehicle in said simulated space wherein said
preselected objects are simulated projectiles;
first control means operatively engaged with said first computer
and movable by the user to control the motion of said first
simulated vehicle through said simulated space; and
a second computer for modelling the motion of a second simulated
vehicle through said space, said second computer being electrically
connected to said first computer and having second control means
operatively engaged therewith for manipulation of said second
control means by a second user to initiate the motion of a
preselected one of said projectiles through said simulated
space.
17. The simulator as recited in claim 16, further comprising:
a second surface positionable in physical contact with the second
user for supporting eh second user;
a second video monitor electrically connected to said second
computer for presenting a changing video image of said simulated
space in response to said second computer; and
a second solenoid having a second plunger movable between a spaced
position, wherein said plunger is distanced from said second
surface, and an impact position, wherein said plunger contacts said
second surface, said solenoid being electrically connected to said
second computer, wherein the motion of a predetermined one of said
simulated projectiles through said space is initiated by the first
user for causing said second plunger to move from said spaced
position to said impact position to contact said second surface
when said predetermined simulated projectile coincides with a
portion of said second simulated vehicle in said simulated
space.
18. The simulator as recited in claim 17, further comprising:
a random access memory (RAM) electrically connected to said
computers for electronically storing and relaying data
representative of the initiation of said motion of said preselected
and predetermined simulated projectiles through said simulated
space and for storing and relaying data representative of the
positions and motion of said first and second simulated vehicles
through said space.
19. A user-interactive vehicle simulator, comprising:
a first video monitor;
a first computer electrically connected to said monitor for causing
said monitor to present a changing video image of a simulated space
to model the motion through said space of a first simulated
vehicle, said space including simulated movable objects
therein;
first control mans operatively engaged with said computer and
movable by a first user of said simulator for controlling the
motion of said vehicle through said space;
first impact means in physical contact with the user of said
simulator and electrically connected to said computer for
communicating a tactile sensation to the user when the position of
a portion of said simulated vehicle coincides with the position of
a portion of one of said objects in said simulated space, wherein
said first impact means includes a first seat for supporting the
first user and a first solenoid having a plunger movable from a
spaced position, wherein said plunger is distanced form a surface,
and an impact position, wherein said plunger contacts said surface;
and
a second computer electrically connected to said first computer and
having second control means operatively engaged therewith for
manipulation of said second control means by a second user to
initiate the motion of said preselected projectile through said
simulated space.
20. The simulator as recited in claim 19, further comprising:
a second surface for supporting the second user;
a second video monitor electrically connected to said second
computer for presenting a changing video image of said simulated
space in response to said second computer to model the motion of a
second simulated vehicle through said space; and
a second solenoid having a second plunger movable from a spaced
position, wherein said plunger is distanced from said second
surface, and an impact position, wherein said plunger contacts said
second surface, said solenoid being electrically connected to said
second computer, wherein the motion of a predetermined one of said
simulated projectiles through said space is initiated by the first
user for causing said second plunger to move from said spaced
position to said impact position to contact said second surface
when said predetermined simulated projectile coincides with said
second simulated vehicle in said simulated space.
21. The simulator as recited in claim 20, further comprising:
a random access memory (RAM) electrically connected to said
computers for electronically storing and relaying data
representative of the initiation of said motion of said preselected
and predetermined simulated projectiles through said simulated
space and for storing and relaying data representative of the
positions and motion of said first and second simulated vehicles
through said space.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to vehicle simulators. More
particularly, the present invention relates to interactive vehicle
simulators which can be operated by one user or more than one user.
The present invention particularly, though not exclusively, relates
to vehicle simulators which model certain effects of battle or
other physical interaction between the simulated vehicles of the
users.
BACKGROUND OF THE TECHNOLOGY
The use of video arcade games which simulate the operation of
vehicles, such as race cars and aircraft, for entertainment is
becoming widespread. Also, apparatus which simulate the operation
of vehicles are increasingly being used as training devices for
government and industry vehicle operators. Such apparatus can be
programmed to realistically model the motion of a vehicle through
two or three-dimensional space, and can also provide relatively
realistic simulation of the control of the vehicle. Importantly,
training on simulators is safer and more cost-effective than
training with real vehicles.
Typically, a vehicle simulator has a computer which displays on a
monitor a constantly changing video picture of a simulated three
dimensional space. The "view" presented on the monitor is
ordinarily the view of the simulated space as would be seen from
the driver's seat of the simulated vehicle. Thus, as the simulated
vehicle "moves" through the simulated space, the video display is
constantly updated by the computer to model the motion of the
vehicle.
Preferably, the computer realistically models the simulated space
and effects of simulated objects in the space upon the simulated
vehicle. For example, in a video-based simulator which models the
effects of combat on a simulated vehicle moving through the
simulated space, it is desirable to model the effects of the combat
on the vehicle and to provide an indication of these effects to the
operator of the simulated vehicle.
Ideally, for greater realism, these indications are multi-sensory.
In other words, the indications of combat ideally include visual
indications, e.g., flashes of light on the monitor to indicate
explosions, as well as aural indications (e.g., loud bangs and
explosions). Moreover, some vehicle simulators have provided
indications of vehicle motion which include tactile indications,
e.g., motion of the operator's seat in response to actions of the
operator, in order to model the effects of motion on the
vehicle.
It is desirable, however, to provide multi-sensory indications of
events which do not simply depend on some activity by the operator
to initiate the event (e.g., the effects of wind on a speeding
vehicle). More particularly, it is desirable to provide
multi-sensory indications of events that are initiated by another
operator, or the computer. For example, in a combat simulator, when
a first operator initiates combat action which affects a second
operator's simulated battle platform, it is desirable that
multisensory indications of the combat be provided to the second
operator. The present invention recognizes that in the combat
context, a simulator can initiate jolts or thumps to the seat of
the operator, to model the effects of a hit on the operator's
simulated vehicle by a projectile fired from another simulated
vehicle. Also, the present invention recognizes that a simulator
can be provided which can initiate jolts or thumps to the seat of
the operator, to model the effects of a collision, induced by a
source other than the activities of the operator of the simulated
vehicle, between the simulated vehicle and an object.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a
vehicle simulator which models the effects of combat on a simulated
vehicle.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
vehicle simulator which models the effects of a collision, such as
a projectile striking a vehicle, by causing a physical impact on
the operator of the simulator.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle
simulator which is easy to use and cost-effective to
manufacture.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A vehicle simulator has first and second tandem surfaces which are
seats for first and second users of the simulator. The users can
sit side by side and "drive" respective simulated vehicles by
appropriately manipulating first and second controls to generate
respective first and second control signals. These control signals
are sent to respective first and second computers. The computers
determine the positions of their associated vehicles within the
simulated space once each computational cycle (i.e., about once
every one-tenth of a second) based upon the control signal which is
input to the computer.
A first video monitor is positioned in front of one user and
electrically connected to the first computer, and a second video
monitor is positioned in front of the other user and electrically
connected to the second computer. The monitors provide a visual
indication to the users of the position and motion of their
respective vehicles within the simulated space. The image presented
on each monitor is updated every computational cycle by the
associated computer, to present a changing video image of the
simulated space and thereby model motion of the associated vehicle
through the space.
More particularly, each of the computers which are associated with
the monitors has a "map" of the simulated space stored in its
electronic memory. The first computer calculates the position of
the first simulated vehicle within the simulated space every
computational cycle, based upon the first control signal. Also, the
second computer calculates the position of the second simulated
vehicle within the simulated space every computational cycle, based
upon the second control signal. Additionally, each computer
determines the positions within the space of simulated drones that
are controlled by the particular computer. Accordingly, each
computer is associated with one of the simulated vehicles and at
least one computer-controlled drone.
The computers generate respective first and second position signals
which are representative of the position and orientation of the
vehicle that is associated with the particular computer. Position
signals are also generated which are representative of the
positions and orientations of the drones that are controlled by the
particular computer. Once each computational cycle, each computer
sends its position signals to a common random access memory (RAM)
which is electrically connected to each computer. After sending its
position signals to the RAM, each computer polls the RAM to
determine the positions and orientations of the vehicle and drones
controlled by the opposite computer. Then, based upon its own
position signals plus the position signals that are stored in the
RAM from the other computer, each computer causes its associated
monitor to display an image of the space, including both vehicles
and the computer-controlled drones, as would be seen from the
vehicle of the particular computer.
Furthermore, each user can "shoot" the other user's vehicle by
depressing a trigger to initiate the motion of a simulated
projectile toward the other user's vehicle. As envisioned by the
present invention, the simulated projectile can model a burst of
electromagnetic energy, a bullet, artillery shell, or other combat
weapon. When a "shot" is initiated, the computer associated with
the shooting vehicle sends a signal to the RAM that is
representative of the position and orientation of the projectile.
This signal is detected by the computer that is associated with the
vehicle being shot when the computer polls the RAM during the next
succeeding computational cycle.
If desired, the simulator can be operated in a single player mode,
wherein a single user can "play" against one of the computers that
has been activated. Preferably, the activated computer is the
computer associated with the monitor that is directly in front of
the computer. In the single operator mode, the user shoots drones
that are controlled by the activated computer. Also, the computer
can cause the drones to shoot projectiles toward the simulated
vehicle "driven" by the user. Processing of information
representing the projectiles, drones, and vehicle is accomplished
by the activated computer.
Whether in the single player or two-player mode, upon ascertaining
that a shot has been fired at its associated vehicle, the computer
determines whether the position of the simulated projectile is
coincident with the position of the associated vehicle. If
coincidence is determined to have occurred, the computer generates
a "hit" signal. If coincidence has not occurred, the computer
stores the position of the projectile in memory and, during the
next computational cycle, advances the projectile through the
simulated space in accordance with the reported firing position and
orientation of the projectile. The computer also advances the
associated vehicle through the simulated space in accordance with
the user-generated command signal. Then, the computer again
determines whether coincidence has occurred between the projectile
and the vehicle associated with the computer.
In the event that a "hit" has occurred, the particular computer
causes the seat of the associated user to be impacted to model the
effects of a hit on a real vehicle. Specifically, a solenoid is
mounted beneath each seat, and each solenoid can be controlled by
its associated computer to thump the seat. More specifically, each
solenoid includes a plunger which is movable from a distanced
position, wherein the plunger is spaced from the seat, to an impact
position, wherein the plunger contacts the seat. The computer sends
the "hit" signal to the solenoid to cause the plunger to thump the
seat of the associated user to give the user a tactile sensation of
the effects of a hit on his vehicle.
Other tactile indications of simulated impacts are also envisioned
by the present invention. For example, the solenoid can be located
on the backrest of the seat of the user, to thump the user's back
upon generation of a "hit" signal. Moreover, devices other than
solenoids can be used to generate the tactile indication of a
"hit". For example, a motor can be attached to the seat of the user
to vibrate the seat when a "hit" signal is generated.
As further envisioned by the present invention, a "hit" signal to
energize the solenoid can be generated as a result of activity
other than projectile firings. For example, a computer can generate
a "hit" signal to energize the associated solenoid of a first user
when the simulated vehicle operated by a second user rams the
simulated vehicle operated by the first user.
Further details of the structure and operation of the present
invention can best be understood by reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which like numerals refer to like parts, as described
below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one presently preferred embodiment
of the novel vehicle simulator of the present invention, with
portions broken away for clarity;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a presently preferred embodiment of
the electrical components of the novel vehicle simulator of the
present invention;
FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the operation of each computer of
the novel vehicle simulator of the present invention during one
computational cycle in the two-user mode; and
FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the operation of a single computer
of the novel vehicle simulator of the present invention during one
computational cycle in the single-user mode.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring initially to FIG. 1, a vehicle simulator is shown,
generally designated 10. As shown, the simulator 10 has two
surfaces which are represented by the seats 12, 14 in FIG. 1. The
seats 12, 14 are mounted in tandem on respective bases 16, 18, and
the bases 16, 18 are mounted on a platform 20. As shown, brackets
22, 24 are respectively connected to the bases 16, 18 by any means
well-known in the art, such as welding or bolting the brackets 22,
24 to the bases 16, 18. FIG. 1 further shows that two solenoids 26,
28 are mounted respectively on the brackets 22, 24. In one
preferred embodiment, the solenoids 26, 28 are type 3000-M-1
solenoids manufactured by Dormeyer Industries. The solenoid 26 has
a plunger 30 slidably attached thereto, and the solenoid 28 has a
plunger 32 slidably attached thereto. Additionally, a respective
wooden block 34, 36 is fixedly attached to the seats 12, 14. It
will be appreciated that the blocks 34, 36 can be replaced with
metal or plastic plates (not shown). If desired, an air space 35
can be established between the upper surface of the block 34 and
the seat 12. Also, an air space 37 can be established between the
upper surface of the block 36 and the seat 14.
In accordance with the present invention, each of the plungers 30,
32 of the solenoids 26, 28 is movable between a spaced position,
wherein the plunger 30, 32 is distanced from its respective wooden
block 34, 36, and an impact position, wherein the plunger 30, 32 is
in contact with its respective wodden block 34, 36. As shown in
FIG. 1, the plunger 30 is in the impact position, while the plunger
32 is in the spaced position. It is to be appreciated in reference
to FIG. 1 that one or both of the solenoids 26, 28 can be energized
through a respective electrical line 38, 40. Taking the solenoid 26
as an example, the solenoid 26 can be energized to cause its
plunger 30 to strike the block 34 and thereby generate a "thump"
which can be felt by a user (not shown) sitting in the seat 12.
While the disclosure above discusses one means by which the seat 12
can be physically impacted, namely, by the solenoid 26, it is to be
appreciated that other means can be provided to impact the seat 12.
For example, a motor (not shown) can be appropriately engaged with
the seat 12 to vibrate the seat 12. Moreover, the solenoid 26 can
be mounted on other areas of the seat 12 to impact the other areas.
If desired, additional solenoids (not shown) can be mounted on the
seat 12 to provide means for impacting the seat 12 in a plurality
of locations.
Still referring to FIG. 1, a video monitor 42 and a video monitor
44 are shown positioned on a console 46 in front of the seats 12,
14 at about eye level to users (not shown) who can sit in the seats
12, 14. In reference to FIG. 1, each monitor 42, 44 respectively
presents a changing split-screen video image of a simulated space
48 as would be seen from a vehicle being simulated, to model motion
of the particular vehicle through the space 48. More particularly,
the monitors 42, 44 present respective changing images of main
sectors 50, 52 of the space 48, and changing rear-view mirror
images of minor sectors 54, 56 of the simulated space 48. Hence,
the two monitors 42, 44 present images of the simulated space 48 as
would be seen from two respective vehicles.
The main sectors 50, 52 are the sectors of the space 48 as would be
seen from the driver's seat looking forward of the respective
vehicles being simulated. On the other hand, the minor sectors 54,
56 are the sectors of the space 48 as would be seen looking in the
rear-view mirrors of the vehicles being simulated. In FIG. 1, a
user (not shown) can sit in the seat 12 and "drive" the simulated
vehicle 58, displayed in the main sector 52 on the monitor 44.
Furthermore, another user (not shown) can sit in the seat 14 and
"drive" the simulated vehicle 60, which is displayed in the minor
sector 54 on the monitor 42. Thus, it will be appreciated that in
the exemplary scenario shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 58 is in front
of the vehicle 60, relative to the orientations of the vehicles 58,
60.
Still referring to FIG. 1, control means are shown for generating
signals for controlling the simulated motion of the vehicles 58, 60
through the simulated space 48. It is to be appreciated that the
control means used by the present invention can be any means
well-known in the art of video arcade games. More particularly, a
steering handle 62 is rotatably mounted on the console 46 in front
of the seat 12 to generate a signal representative of the
orientation of the vehicle 58 relative to the simulated space 48.
Likewise, a steering handle 68 is rotatably mounted on the console
46 in front of the seat 14 to generate a signal representative of
the orientation of the vehicle 60 relative to the simulated space
48.
Now referring to FIG. 2, the details of the electrical components
of the simulator 10 are shown to include a computer 74 which is
mounted in the console 46 and which is electrically connected to
the monitor 42 for causing the monitor 42 to present a changing
video display of the simulated space 48. Accordingly, the computer
74 contains in electronic memory a map of the space 48. Also, the
computer 74 is electrically connected to signal generating devices
that are well-known in the art, such as potentiometers (not shown),
which are operatively engaged by well-known means with the controls
associated with the vehicle 58. More specifically, in one preferred
embodiment, the computer 74 is electrically connected to the
position sensors that are associated with the steering handle 62
and accelerator pedal 66. These sensors generate electrical control
signals that are representative of the positions of the steering
handle 62 and accelerator pedal 66. The electrical control signals
are in turn conducted to the computer 74.
Moreover, a computer 76 is mounted on the console 46 and is
electrically connected to the monitor 44 for causing the monitor 44
to display a changing video image of the simulated space 48.
Accordingly, the computer contains in its electronic memory a map
of the space 48. Also, the computer 76 is electrically connected to
signal generating devices that are well-known in the art, such as
potentiometers (not shown), which are operatively engaged by
well-known means with the controls associated with the vehicle 60.
More specifically, in one preferred embodiment, the computer 76 is
electrically connected to the position sensors that are associated
with the steering handle 68 and accelerator pedal 72. These sensors
generate electrical control signals that are representative of the
positions of the steering handle 68 and accelerator pedal 72. The
electrical control signals are in turn conducted to the computer
76. In one preferred embodiment, the computers 74, 76 are type
M68000-14 microprocessors manufactured by Motorola Corporation.
Still referring to FIG. 2, a common random access memory (RAM)
board 77 is shown mounted on the console 46 and electrically
connected to the computers 74, 76. Preferably, RAM board 77
includes a suitable dual ported 2K.times.8 bit semiconductor RAM
78. As shown in FIG. 2, the RAM board 77 is electrically connected
to a solenoid driver assembly 80 which is also mounted on the
console 46. As shown, solenoid driver assembly 80 includes a first
driver 81 and a second driver 83. As further shown in FIG. 2, the
first driver 81 of the solenoid driver 80 is electrically connected
to a first 110 volt alternating current (ac) power supply 82, and
the second solenoid driver 83 is electrically connected to a second
110 volt ac power supply 84. The power supplies 82, 84 are in turn
mounted in the bases 16, 18. The power supply 82 is electrically
connected to the solenoid 26 for energizing the solenoid 26, and
the power supply 84 is electrically connected to the solenoid 28
for energizing the solenoid 28.
As envisioned by the present invention, the solenoid drivers 81, 83
are any suitable devices which can convert a signal from the
respective computers 74, 76 through the common RAM board 77 to an
amplified command signal which can be sent to one or both of the
power supplies 82, 84 to cause the power supplies 82, 84 to
energize their respective solenoids 26, 28.
In the operation of the simulator 10, it is to be understood that
the present invention can simulate the operation of a vehicle in
either of two modes, single user or two user. Furthermore, the
present invention contemplates the addition of a third, fourth, or
more video monitors (not shown) with associated computers (also not
shown) to provide the capability to operate the simulator 10 in
three-, four-, or more-user modes. For clarity of illustration,
however, only the single-user and two-user modes are disclosed
herein. It is to be further understood that the operation of the
simulator 10 in modes wherein more than two users can play is in
all essential respects a straightforward extrapolation of the
operation of the two-user mode of simulator 10.
In describing the two-user mode of the simulator 10, reference is
made to FIG. 3, which shows the steps of one computational cycle of
the simulator lo for the computer 74. It is to be understood that
the logic followed by computer 76 during each computational step is
substantially the same as the logic follwed by computer 74
disclosed below.
As indicated at block 86 in FIG. 3, upon energization of the
simulator 10, the common RAM 78 is initialized and signals the
solenoid drivers 81, 83 to activate the power supplies 82, 84 to
move the plungers 30, 32 of the solenoids 26, 28 to their spaced
positions. Then, the logic of the computer 74 moves to block 88. At
block 88, the computer 74 samples the signals from the controls 62,
66, 68, 72 that are representative of the desired motion of the
vehicles 58, 60 within the space 48.
More particularly, the user sitting in the seat 12 can manipulate
the steering handle 62 and accelerator pedal 66 as appropriate to
generate control signals representative of the desired motion of
the simulated vehicle 58. These signals are sampled by the computer
74 at block 88. Likewise, the user sitting in the seat 14 can
manipulate the steering handle 68 and accelerator pedal 72 as
appropriate to generate a control signal representative of the
desired motion of the simulated vehicle 60. These signals are
sampled by the computer 76 at block 88.
Furthermore, FIG. 1 shows that the handles 62, 68 have firing
triggers 90, 92 reciprocally attached thereto. Each trigger 90, 92
is operably associated with an apprpriate signal generator
well-known in the art, such as a contact switch, that can generate
an electrical "shoot" signal whenever the trigger 90, 92 is
depressed. The "shoot" signal so generated is representative of the
firing of a projectile from the associated vehicle. As shown in
FIG. 2, the "shoot" signals from the triggers 90, 92 are
respectively sent to the computers 74, 76.
The computer 74 next moves to block 94, wherein the computer 74
advances its associated vehicle 58 within the space 48 in response
to the control signals from the user-manipulated controls. More
particularly, based upon its input control signals, the computer 74
establishes the orientation and speed of its respective vehicle 58.
Also, in the two-user mode, each computer 74, 76 controls at least
one respective drone vehicle (only the drone 75 that is controlled
by the computer 74, shown in FIG. 1) in accordance with a
predetermined program. Accordingly, each computer 74, 76 advances
its drone within the space 48, and sends a signal to the common RAM
78 representative of the position and orientation of the particular
drone.
The computer 74 also stores data representative of the position and
orientation of the vehicle 58 and the computer-controlled drones as
they have advanced a distance corresponding to the product of the
simulated speed of the particular vehicle 58 or drone and the time
period of one cycle, in a direction corresponding to the
orientation of the particular vehicle 58 or drone.
After advancing the vehicle 58 and drones, the logic of the
computer 74 proceeds to block 95, wherein the computer 74 sends a
signal to the common RAM 78 representative of the position and
orientation of its associated vehicle 58. The computer 74 flags the
RAM 78 to store the signal in the RAM 78 for subsequent access to
the vehicle 58 position data by the computer 76. Likewise, the
computer 76 sends a signal to the common RAM 78 which is
representative of the position and orientation of its associated
vehicle 60, and flags the RAM 78 to store this data. While at the
block 95, the computer 74 ascertains the position of the vehicle
60, as reported by the computer 76.
The computer 74 next proceeds to block 96, wherein the computer 74
determines whether its associated user has depressed the firing
trigger 90. If the firing trigger 90 has been depressed, the
computer 74 sends a "shot fired" signal to the common RAM 78
representative of the position, orientation, and firing platform
(e.g., vehicle 58) of the fired projectile, as indicated at the
block 98, and flags the RAM 78 to store this data. Moreover, the
computer 74 can, if desired, initiate a projectile firing from the
drone 75 that is controlled by the computer 74 at any convenient
step in the process described herein.
From block 98 or, if the computer 74 determined that no shot was
fired from the vehicle 58, from block 96, the computer 74 moves to
block 100. At block 100, the computer 74 polls the RAM 78 to
determine whether any projectiles are currently "active".
Specifically, at block 100, the computer 74 polls the RAM 78 to
determine whether any shot was fired by the vehicle 60 associated
with the opposite computer 76, or by any of the computer-controlled
drones, or by the vehicle 58 controlled by the computer 74, either
in the current computational cycle or in any previous computational
cycles. More specifically, each projectile that has been fired has
a predetermined "lifetime", i.e., each projectile can exist for a
predetermined number of computational cycles after it has been
fired, after which time the projectile is deleted from the space
48. In accordance with the present invention, the computer 74
stores, in its memory, the positions of the projectiles obtained
from the RAM 78.
In the event that the computer 74 determines, at block 100, that
one or more projectiles exist in the space 48, the computer 74
moves to block 102. At block 102, the computer 74 determines
whether any projectiles have hit any "allowed" objects in the space
48. More particularly, the computer 74 ascertains the firing
platform of each projectile, and then compares the position of each
projectile in the space 48 with the position of each object in the
space 48, including the vehicles 58, 60, and computer-controlled
drones, that is "allowed" to be hit by the particular projectile.
In accordance with the present invention, a projectile is "allowed"
to hit the vehicle which opposes the vehicle that fired the
particular projectile. Also, a projectile is allowed to hit one of
the computer-controlled drones. A projectile is not, however,
allowed to hit the vehicle which fired the particular
projectile.
To determine whether the projectile has hit an "allowed" object,
the computer 74 in block 102 compares the position of the
projectile with the positions of the vehicles 58, 60 and the drone
vehicles. If any portion of the projectile coincides with any
portion of one of the "allowed" objects, the computer 74 registers
a hit on the particular object and stores the hit registration in
memory.
In the event that the computer 74 determines that a hit has
occurred, the computer 74 moves to block 104. At block 104, the
computer 74 determines whether the hit object was the vehicle 58.
If the hit object was the vehicle 58, the computer 74 moves to
block 106, wherein the computer 74 causes the solenoid 26 to be
energized. More specifically, the computer 74 sends a signal
through the RAM board 77 to the solenoid driver 81, to cause the
solenoid driver 81 to activate the power supply 82. When power
supply 82 is activated to energize the solenoid 26, the plunger 30
is moved from its spaced position to its impact position to strike
the wooden block 34. The impact of the plunger 30 against the block
34 is transferred to the seat 12, to give the user who is sitting
in the seat 12 a sensation of being thumped.
From block 106, or block 104 if the vehicle 58 has not been hit, or
block 102 if no object was hit, the computer 74 proceeds to block
108. At block 108, the computer 74 conducts calculations and
produces data which advances the positions of any projectiles
remaining in the space 48 a distance from the projectile's last
position corresponding to the simulated speed of the projectile
multiplied by the time period of one game cycle, in a direction
corresponding to the orientation of the projectile. In other words,
the computer 74 advances the positions of all fired projectiles
which have not hit an "allowed" object in the space 48 and have not
exceeded their lifetimes.
From block 108, or, if no shot reports have been reported in the
RAM 78, from block 100, the computer 74 proceeds to block 110. At
block 110, the computer 74 updates the monitor 42 to reflect the
determinations and calculations conducted by the computer 74 in the
computational cycle. More specifically, the computer 74 causes the
monitor 42 to present an image of the space 48 that reflects the
updated positions of the vehicles and drones within the space 48,
as calculated by the computer 74 at block 94.
Additionally, the computer 74 updates the monitor 42 to reflect the
firing of a projectile and, if appropriate, the imapct of a
projectile on an object in the space 48. More particularly, when
the computer 74 determines, in block 100, that a projectile has
been fired by the opposing vehicle 60, the computer 74 updates the
monitor 42 to cause the monitor 42 to display an image of a flash
of light on the icon representing the vehicle 60. This is to
provide a visual indication of the projectile launch to the user
sitting in the seat 12 and "driving" the vehicle 58. Thus, the
image of the flash of light 112 in the "rear-view mirror" of the
vehicle 58 shown in FIG. 1 indicates that the vehicle 60 has just
launched a projectile toward the vehicle 58.
Furthermore, if the computer 74 has determined, at block 102, that
the opposing vehicle or a drone was hit, the computer 74 causes the
monitor 42 to display the image of a flash of light on the icon
that represents the particular drone or vehicle. In the example
depicted in FIG. 1, the computer 76 has determined that a
projectile launched by the vehicle 60 associated with the computer
76 has hit the vehicle 58. Accordingly, FIG. 1 shows that the
monitor 44 has displayed the image 114 of a flash of light on the
icon representing the vehicle 58, to indicate that the vehicle 58
has been hit by a projectile. After the computer 74 has updated the
monitor 42 at block 110, the computer 74 commences another
computational cycle by returning to block 88.
While the discussion above focussed on the two-user mode of
operation of the simulator 10, it is to be understood that a single
user can "play" against one of the computers 74, 76. In the
single-user mode, the computer 74 functions essentially as
disclosed above, with the exception that the computer 74 controls a
plurality of (e.g., two) drones instead of one. Because the
computer 74 follows substantially the same steps in the single-user
mode as in the two-user mode, the amount of programming required
for the simulator 10 is minimized.
In the single user mode, the user of the simulator 10 can sit in
either the seat 12 or the seat 14 and operate the simulator 10. For
clarity of disclosure, in the discussion below, the simulator 10 is
operated in the single-user mode from the seat 12 by a user (not
shown).
Specifically, in reference to FIG. 4, as indicated at block 128,
upon energization of the simulator 10 in the single-user mode, the
common RAM 78 is initialized and the computer 74 signals the
solenoid driver 80 to activate the power supply 82 to move the
plunger 30 of the solenoid 26 to its spaced positions. Then, the
computer 74 proceeds to block 130, wherein the computer 74 samples
the signals generated by the operator controls of the simulator
10.
More particularly, the user sitting in the seat 12 can manipulate
the steering handle 62 and accelerator pedal 66 as appropriate to
generate a control signal representative of the desired motion of
the simulated vehicle 58, which is sampled by the computer at block
130. From block 130, the computer 74 moves to block 132, wherein
the computer 74 advances the vehicle 58 in accordance with the
control signals sampled at block 130. More specifically, based upon
its input control signals, the computer 74 establishes the
orientation and speed of its respective vehicle 58, and advances
its vehicle 58 a distance corresponding to the product of the
simulated speed of the vehicle 58 and the time period of one cycle,
in a direction corresponding to the orientation of the vehicle 58.
This data is stored in the electronic memory of the computer 74.
Also, at block 132, the computer 74 advances the positions of two
drone vehicles which are controlled by the computer 74 in
accordance with a predetermined course of motion of the drones
within the space 48.
The computer next moves to block 134, wherein the computer 74
stores the positions of the vehicle 58 and drones in the RAM 78.
From block 134, the computer 74 moves to block 136, wherein the
computer 74 samples the position of the trigger 90 to determine
whether the vehicle 58 has fired a projectile. If the computer 74
determines that a projectile has been fired, the computer proceeds
to block 138 and sends a signal representative of the position of
trigger 90 to the RAM 78. The RAM 78 stores this data for
subsequent access to the data by the computer 74. It will be
understood that the signal representing the position of the trigger
90 is indicative of whether the user initiated the firing of a
projectile from the vehicle 58 toward one of the drones.
From block 138 or block 136, the computer 74 next proceeds to block
140, wherein the computer 74 determines whether any projectiles
exist within the space 48. While in block 140, the computer 74 at
any time can, if desired, initiate a projectile firing from one or
both of the drones toward the vehicle 58. At block 140, the
computer 74 polls the RAM 78 to determine whether any projectiles
are currently "active". Specifically, at block 140, the computer 74
polls the RAM 78 to determine whether any shot was fired by any of
the computer-controlled drones, or by the vehicle 58 controlled by
the computer 74, either in the current computational cycle or in
any previous computational cycles. More specifically, each
projectile that has been fired has a predetermined "lifetime",
i.e., each projectile can exist for a predetermined number of
computational cycles after it has been fired, after which time the
projectile is deleted from the space 48. In accordance with the
present invention, the computer 74 stores, in its memory, the
positions of the projectiles obtained from the RAM 78.
In the event that the computer 74 determines, at block 140, that
one or more projectiles exist in the space 48, the computer 74
moves to block 142. At block 142, the computer 74 determines
whether any projectiles have hit any "allowed" objects in the space
48. More particularly, the computer 74 ascertains the firing
platform of each projectile, and then compares the position of each
projectile in the space 48 with the position of each object in the
space 48, including the vehicle 58 and computer-controlled drones,
that is "allowed" to be hit by the particular projectile. In
accordance with the present invention, a projectile is "allowed" to
hit one of the computer-controlled drones. A projectile is not,
however, allowed to hit the vehicle which fired the particular
projectile.
To determine whether the projectile has hit an "allowed" object,
the computer 74 in block 142 compares the position of the
projectile with the positions of the drone vehicles. If any portion
of the projectile coincides with any portion of an allowed object,
the computer 74 registers a hit on the particular object and stores
the hit registration in memory.
In the event that the computer 74 determines that a hit has
occurred, the computer 74 moves to block 144. At block 144, the
computer 74 determines whether the hit object was the vehicle 58.
If the hit object was the vehicle 58, the computer 74 moves to
block 146, wherein the computer 74 causes the solenoid 26 to be
energized. More specifically, the computer 74 sends a signal
through the RAM board 77 to the solenoid driver 81, to cause the
solenoid driver 81 to activate the power supply 82. When power
supply 82 is activated to energize the solenoid 26, the plunger 30
is moved from its spaced position to its impact position to strike
the wooden block 34. The impact of the plunger 30 against the block
34 is transferred to the seat 12, to give the user who is sitting
in the seat 12 a sensation of being thumped.
From block 146, or block 144 if the vehicle 58 has not been hit, or
block 142 if no object was hit, the computer 74 proceeds to block
148. At block 148, the computer 74 conducts calculations and
produces data which advances the positions of any projectiles
remaining in the space 48 a distance from the projectile's last
position corresponding to the simulated speed of the projectile
multiplied by the time period of one game cycle, in a direction
corresponding to the orientation of the projectile. In other words,
the computer 74 advances the positions of all fired projectiles
which have not hit an "allowed" object in the space 48 and have not
exceeded their lifetimes.
From block 148, or, if no shot reports have been reported in the
RAM 78, from block 140, the computer 74 proceeds to block 150. At
block 150, the computer 74 updates the monitor 42 to reflect the
determinations and calculations conducted by the computer 74 in the
computational cycle. After the computer 7 has updated the monitor
42 at block 150, the computer 74 commences another computational
cycle by returning to block 128.
While the novel vehicle simulator with cross-feedback as disclosed
herein is fully capable of achieving the stated objectives, it is
to be understood that nothing shall be construed as a limitation of
the present invention, other than the limitations set forth in the
appended claims.
* * * * *